Heavy metal (As, Cd, and Pb) concentration in selected leafy vegetables from Jengka, Malaysia, and potential health risks

This study determines the toxic heavy metal (As, Cd, Pb) concentrations in selected leafy vegetables (pak choi, amaranth, and caisim) that were collected from an agricultural area in Jengka, Pahang, Malaysia. A potential health risk via the ingestion pathway is also evaluated. A graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer (GFAAS) analysis was applied to determine metal concentration. Heavy metal concentrations for leafy vegetables ranged between 0.03 and 0.05 mg/kg for lead (Pb), followed by 0.19–0.43 mg/kg for arsenic (As) and 0.15–0.54 mg/kg for cadmium (Cd). Cd is likely to be accumulated and absorbed more than arsenic (As) and Pb based on the bioconcentration factor (BCF). Cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA) suggested the metal origin is anthropogenic (the agricultural activities). Target hazard quotient (THQ) value below unity (< 1) indicates low non-carcinogenic risks of Cd and Pb. However, the high lifetime cancer risk (LCR) values for As and Pb (LCR > 1 × 10–4) possibly will pose a health risk to consumers. This study suggested leafy vegetable intake from this area poses some degree of potential health hazards to the consumer. Therefore, a comprehensive investigation such as bioavailability metal form analysis to obtain a more accurate risk assessment is needed.